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Creating a Masterpiece?

WXXI News examines Rochester's plan to make every student "a work of art"

Rochester City School Superintendent Jean-Claude Brizard unveiled his strategic plan the same week Mayor Robert Duffy said he wants to take over control of city schools - a controversial position at a challenging time.

Brizard's strategic plan for the district focuses on the phrase: "Every child is a work of art. Create a masterpiece." Achieving that goal with each student is a daunting task given the many challenges educators face before the children of our community even step inside the classroom.

WXXI’s news team examines several of those challenges in a series of special reports focusing on heath issues and behavioral risk factors Rochester's children cope with every day:

Many children spend the first moments of their lives in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit of the hospital. WXXI's Rachel Ward looks at recent findings that show these students have learning disabilities and developmental challenges that teachers must deal with in the classroom Click Here for Full Story

Violence, crime, weapons and drug use continue to be significant issues in the communities where children live. WXXI's Peter Iglinski investigates what happens when students bring those experiences with them to schools and how it impacts their learning experience Click Here for Full Story

Risky sexual behavior can have a lifelong impact on the lives of young people - and that includes their educational development. Carlet Cleare explores the unique challenges the district faces in dealing with students who become pregnant or contract sexually transmitted infections Click Here for Full Story

Many students who spent time in neonatal intensive care units as babies face difficult challenges in school - a fact the Rochester City School District must deal with to achieve the goals in its strategic plan.